Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia Police Department is investigating a fire that damaged a mural and the Stonewall Youth building in downtown Olympia as arson in late August.
Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne condemned the incident, saying that “violence, vandalism and intimidation have no place in the community.”
In a statement released on Thursday, Sept. 3, Payne urged anyone with information to assist the investigation by contacting the police department at 360-753-8300.
According to Payne, someone intentionally set fire to materials placed against a mural at the building last week. The fire damaged both the mural and the building. No one was injured in the Aug. 27 incident at 112 State Ave. NE.
The mural expresses support for the Palestinian people, and is located on a building that serves LGBTQIA2S+ youths.
Payne said community members involved with the mural have reported it has been vandalized repeatedly since it was created last year.
“I understand why this latest incident, and that history, have left people feeling angry, targeted and unsafe. People in Olympia have the right to express themselves. They have the right to create art, share their beliefs and advocate for causes they care about," he said.
"Others have the right to disagree with those messages. What none of us has the right to do is silence someone else’s expression through vandalism, intimidation or violence.”
Police are also examining whether hate or ideology played a role in the fire, but investigators have not announced a motive. The investigation remains ongoing.
Payne said Olympia should remain a community where people can express different views and advocate for causes they support, while disagreeing without resorting to threats, vandalism or violence.
He offered reassurance to Palestinian and LGBTQIA2S+ residents, and to young people connected to Stonewall Youth, saying their safety is a concern for the City of Olympia.
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
JulesJames
So are gay youths vandalizing the gay-hating Palestinian mural? That would make sense. Everything else seems a little absurd.
Monday, September 7 Report this
JnNwmn
Maybe ask fearless leader why so much vitriol exists.
Monday, September 7 Report this
Wesley
Who said anything about violence? This is property damage. Weren't we told during the trantifa/B.L.M. riots of the early 2020s "that's what insurance is for!!!!!"?
Friday, September 11 Report this